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Hydration for babies: Best ways to keep bub hydrated this Summer!

Australian summers are made for beach days, backyard play, family barbecues and holiday family trips. But with rising temperatures and busy holiday schedules, keeping hydration for babies on track can easily slip down the priority list, especially for babies and toddlers who can’t always tell us when they’re thirsty.

Let’s break down everything you need to know, including signs of dehydration in babies and the best ways to keep bub hydrated and healthy during the Summer!

Why Is Hydration Important?

Hydration (via water or breastmilk/formula) lets little bodies function properly. It helps with maintaining a healthy temperature, digesting food, and balancing salt and nutrient levels.

Thus, staying well hydrated is essential for little ones and a key part of summer care for babies and toddlers.

What Is Dehydration And Why Are Bubs Most At Risk?

Dehydration is when the body loses more water or fluid than it takes in.

Babies and toddlers are more likely to get dehydrated because they:

lose more fluids through their skin via sweating and increased activity.
cannot always get fluids for themselves and usually need other people to give them fluids
are more likely to catch illnesses that cause them to lose fluids through vomiting and diarrhoea.
are more likely to catch respiratory illnesses, which cause symptoms like sore throats that make them avoid eating and drinking
may not be able to tell you when they need more fluids.

This is why recognising baby dehydration symptoms early matters, especially in hot weather.

What Are The Signs Bub May Be Dehydrated?

Babies can become dehydrated quickly, so it's important we look out for these early signs of dehydration:

Fewer wet nappies (less than 4–6 wet nappies in 24 hours)
Dark yellow, strong-smelling urine
Dry lips or mouth
Being unusually sleepy or hard to wake up
Increased fussiness or irritability
Feeding less than usual (breast or bottle)

For toddlers who may not recognise or be able to communicate that they are thirsty, early signs of dehydration include:

Urinating less often or very dark urine
Feels thirsty
Dry mouth, lips, or tongue
Tiredness, low energy, or lethargy
Irritability or unusual mood changes
Headaches
Reduced appetite
Dizziness or light-headedness
Constipation

More serious signs of dehydration include:

Very few or no wet nappies/urination for 8+ hours
Rapid breathing or heartbeat
Cold hands or feet
Have sunken eyes
Extreme drowsiness or confusion
Vomiting and/or diarrhoea alongside poor fluid intake

If you notice any of the following, contact a healthcare professional promptly. Remember to trust your instincts and if something doesn’t feel right, especially during hot weather or illness, it’s always best to seek medical advice.

How to Keep Your Baby Hydrated in Summer?

The goal isn’t just more water, it’s about:

consistent hydration throughout the day via including simple hydration routines.
eating hydrating foods that support growing little bodies.

How Can I Build A Simple Hydration Routine For Bub?

Routine is your best hydration tool, especially during busy holiday periods when days feel less structured.

For babies 0-6months, simple routines can include:

Offering extra breast/formula feeds throughout the day (e.g. in between feeds) to boost hydration. It’s important we don’t dilute feeds by adding more water to ensure we retain the nutritional value of the feed. For bubs under 12 months, breastmilk or formula still remains their primary hydration source.
No water as bub’s kidneys are not ready to handle it yet.
Freezing breastmilk or formula to make icy poles and offering them as an extra cooling snack in between feeds.

For babies 6-12 months, simple routines can include:

Offering extra breast/formula feeds throughout the day (as above).
Once solids are introduced at around 6 months, bub can have small sips of cooled, boiled water in a cup at mealtimes and throughout the day. Bub can use this opportunity to practise the skill of drinking from a cup but they still don’t really need fluids other than breastmilk or formula at this age. Check out more information about when and how to introduce water to bub in this blog.
Homemade icy poles made from breastmilk/formula or fruit offered in between feeds.

For toddlers 12 months+, simple routines can include:

Offering water with every meal and snack. Once bub has reached 12 months, you can offer fresh tap water without boiling it.
Keeping a drink bottle within reach during play.
Offering small sips regularly rather than waiting for thirst.
Encouraging a drink after outdoor play or beach time.
Offering cooling smoothies or fruit icy poles.

Which Are The Most Hydrating Foods For Toddlers and Babies?

Food plays a surprisingly big role in hydration, especially for babies starting solids and toddlers who forget to stop playing for a drink. Including hydrating foods like fruits and veggies, purees, yoghurt, chia puddings and jellies can not only provide fluids but also deliver important nutrients like vitamin C, fibre and electrolytes, perfect for hot holiday days.

Some summer-friendly hydrating foods include:

Watermelon, rockmelon and strawberries
Cucumber, celery and zucchini
Tomatoes and capsicum
Oranges, peaches and mandarins
Pineapple
Smooth purees
Yoghurt cups with fruit puree or fresh fruit
Chia pudding made with milk of choice or coconut water topped with fruit puree or fresh fruit.
Jellies

What Are Some Hydrating Smoothies I Can Make?

Smoothies are a great way to boost hydration while sneaking in nourishing ingredients, especially for toddlers who are too busy to sit still. They are also a handy option when planning summer care for babies and toddlers.

Try simple yet nutritional combinations like:

Banana, mango, yoghurt, a few ice cubes with a splash of water, milk of choice or breastmilk/formula
Banana, mixed berries, yoghurt, cinnamon, a few ice cubes with a splash of water, milk of choice or breastmilk/formula
Banana, coconut milk, pear or pineapple chunks and a few ice cubes
Watermelon, strawberry and mint.

Smoothies can be served as snacks, frozen into icy poles, or poured into reusable pouches for on-the-go hydration.

Check out the recipes for nourishing and cooling smoothies for bub here!

Extra Holiday Hydration Tips

Dress children in light, breathable clothing
Avoid peak heat times where possible
Offer hydrating snacks before heading out
Watch for signs of dehydration, especially during travel or long days outdoors

A Gentle Reminder For Parents

Hydration doesn’t need to be complicated. Small, consistent choices throughout the day make a big difference and summer is the perfect time to turn hydration into a fun, nourishing habit.

Want an easy way to make hydrating foods like purees, yoghurt cups, chia puddings, icy poles, smoothies and jellies? Our blast frozen fruit and veggies cubes are made with 100% Australian produce, no preservatives and are ready to use! Check out our range here.

Here’s to cool sips, juicy snacks, and happy, hydrated little humans all summer long!

FAQs

How can I keep my baby hydrated in summer?
To keep baby hydrated in summer, focus on consistent hydration throughout the day by including simple hydration routines and eating hydrating foods for babies that support growing little bodies.
What are the signs of dehydration in babies?
Signs of dehydration in babies include fewer wet nappies (less than 4–6 wet nappies in 24 hours), dark yellow strong-smelling urine, dry lips or mouth, being unusually sleepy or hard to wake up, increased fussiness or irritability, and feeding less than usual (breast or bottle).
What are the dehydration symptoms in toddlers?
Early dehydration symptoms in toddlers include urinating less often or very dark urine, feeling thirsty, dry mouth/lips/tongue, tiredness or low energy, irritability or unusual mood changes, headaches, reduced appetite, dizziness or light-headedness, and constipation.
What are serious signs of dehydration and when should I get help?
More serious signs of dehydration include very few or no wet nappies/urination for 8+ hours, rapid breathing or heartbeat, cold hands or feet, sunken eyes, extreme drowsiness or confusion, and vomiting and/or diarrhoea alongside poor fluid intake. If you notice any of these, contact a healthcare professional promptly.
What are the best drinks for babies under 12 months?
For bubs under 12 months, breastmilk or formula remains their primary hydration source and the best drinks for babies in summer. It’s important not to dilute feeds by adding more water to ensure the nutritional value of the feed remains.
Can babies under 6 months have water in hot weather?
No. For babies 0–6 months, the routine includes offering extra breast/formula feeds to boost hydration for babies, and no water as bub’s kidneys are not ready to handle it yet.
What are toddler hydration tips for hot days?
Helpful toddler hydration tips include offering water with every meal and snack, keeping a drink bottle within reach during play, offering small sips regularly rather than waiting for thirst, encouraging a drink after outdoor play or beach time, and offering cooling smoothies or fruit icy poles.